The Attack of Nova Colonia in the River Plate in 1763, under the command of Captain John Macnamara

Location

Country: Argentina
City: Buenos Aires
Place: British Embassy

Naval officer and marine painter William Elliott began his career by entering the Royal Navy. He is probably the William Elliot who began as Master’s Mate aboard the ‘Roebuck’; was promoted to Lieutenant in 1782 and to Captain in 1810. The subjects of his paintings were mainly ships in conflict, at anchor or in stormy weather. Elliott first exhibited at the Free Society of Artists in 1774. He also showed his work at the Royal Academy (1784-89) and the Incorporated Society of Artists (1790-91). He was elected a fellow of the Incorporated Society and its President in 1791. Many of his works were engraved by the printmaker and publisher Valentine Green (1739-1813) and Elliott also produced some aquatint versions himself.

Places

South America, Rio de la Plata (River Plate), Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento

Subjects

rowing boat, the 'Lord Clive', the 'Ambuscade', topography, seascape/coastal scene, townscape/cityscape, ensign (ship), cannon, Seven Years War, harbour, ship

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

William Elliott

Title

The Attack of Nova Colonia in the River Plate in 1763, under the command of Captain John Macnamara

Date

1791

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 64.00 cm, width: 76.00 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Appleby Bros, March 1956

Inscription

sdbr: Lt. Wm Elliott 1791

GAC number

3437